Building a Mystery in Houston | MAD BALLIN'

"Building a Mystery" by Sarah McLachlan

If Game 4 of Lakers-Rockets showed us anything, it's that GM Daryl Morey in Houston knows how to build a real team.

Any team that loses two of its leading actors will likely succumb to despair and despondence. The Rockets, however, have proven to step up with new troops each and every time, with each soldier bringing his own unique skill set.

Houston has surprised everyone by playing as well as they have, advancing to the second round for the first time since 1997 and making it a dogfight against the much favored Lakers.

However, improved performance means raised expectations, and you can bet that pretty soon Rockets fans will demand a championship. What will it take for GM Morey to go from underdog mystery to championship mystique?

Here's a basic blueprint :

1. Buy insurance for Yao Ming : The big man has been getting hurt too often and too majorly. When he's healthy, he's great, but greatness is of no use when it's not available.

If I were Rick Adelman, I'd cut down on Yao's minutes and design and efficient scheme to get the most out of Yao during those reduced minutes. And if I were Daryl Morey, I'd get a good backup center who can fill in during the minutes when the Great Wall is on the bench.

I would also re-examine the Chinese national team thing. Times have changed, and Yao has become more Americanized, and a full-fledged member of the Houston Rockets on a practical and spiritual level. Accordingly, Houston needs to look after its own interests first and foremost rather than looking over its shoulders. The newly acquired rest would do wonders for a big man that needs every bit of it.

2. Bring back Ron Artest : He doesn't always play smart, but the fighting spirit, defense and versatility that Artest brings far outweighs his shortcomings. In his season with the Rockets, he has become not just an integral part of the Rockets' vision, but one of the team's essential core members.

3. Bring in a floor general : Aaron Brooks is a good kid with a sweet shot and blazing speed, but he can be prone to playing not-so-smart basketball. Even the smartest teams and players can play dumb, but if a Chauncey Billups-type of floor general becomes available, why not seize the opportunity?

The Rockets could really use someone who can organize a band of brothers like Billups is doing in Denver.